Friends Of Juan Zuniga Organize Blood Drive

If you're like me, you've probably become inured to the violence in Shreveport/Bossier. It seems like there's at least one shooting every single day. And it's always somebody else--somebody that's probably involved in something illegal.

But two shootings this weekend have brought it home to me anew that violence can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere.

A 5-year old boy died early Sunday morning during a domestic dispute in Bossier City. According to early reports, it appears that the boy and two other children were driven to a home where the driver of the car confronted a resident of the house. The two men's argument became heated and shots were fired at the driver. The child was hit by a stray bullet. He was taken to to University Health where he succumbed to his injuries.

Late Saturday night Juan Zuniga was preparing to leave the family's restaurant, El Compadre Mexican Restaurant on E. Kings Highway in Shreveport, when two men approached his mother outside the store and stole her purse. Enedina Zuniga called out for help and Juan responded by confronting the robbers. During the scuffle Juan was shot twice in the chest. He was transported to University Health where doctors had to remove his right lung. Juan is now on a heart/lung machine fighting for his life.

Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe page. If you'd like to make a donation, click here.

In addition, a blood drive has been organized and it will continue through Friday, August 4th, at LifeShare at 8910 Linwood Avenue, in Shreveport. When you donate, you have the opportunity to add a personal message to cards which will be delivered to Juan and his family.

Shreveport Police are investigating the incident and are hunting for the two robbers who got away with Mrs. Zuniga's purse. They are urging anyone with information to contact Shreveport-Caddo Crime Stoppers at (318) 673-7373 or on-line at lockemup.org.

Violence is a scourge on our community and it affects all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of these families in their time of crisis. Because deep down inside we all know that violence could one day find us.